Business
Post Pandemic Meltdown: Gamified Dieting Success Rates, Sign-ups Surge Amid ‘Quarantine 15’ Concerns
Success rates skyrocket among pandemic-era dieters vying for huge cash rewards with HealthyWage, with many winning thousands for their pound shedding achievement
Let’s face it. It’s been one tough year with too many of us sitting idle and indulging in calorie-laden foods for way too long as the coronavirus pandemic continues to sweep the globe. For all too many, sheltering in place has prompted unwelcome weight gain—a troublesome truth as we head into the holiday season where gluttony oft reigns supreme.
That said, many individuals did have foresight and motivation back in March and the months that followed, wisely leveraging that extreme downtime to “diet for dollars” with HealthyWage—a pioneer of money-driven weight loss contests and challenges for individuals, teams and business groups. In fact, those who started a 6-month HealthyWager challenge during the pandemic (late March through May) broke company records, spurring a dramatic increase in pound shedding success rates—and in-kind cash payouts—against the norm. So motivated became America to drop, or avoid, the so-called ‘quarantine 15’ and score some cold hard cash in the process, HealthyWage reports that this past May it logged a substantial year-over-year increase in challenge participants at large. This is not surprising given Google search trends indicates the portion of people searching for weight loss hit a 5-year high in May of 2020—a level even exceeding the quintessential New Year’s diet resolution season.
Beyond the fact that people who started weight loss wagers during the pandemic achieved much greater success as compared to participant results the prior year, and earning hundreds and even thousands of dollars for their efforts, it is women and individuals under 30 years of age primarily accounting for the sustained increases. For example, among the litany of pandemic era success stories, Lisa S. won over $1,900 for losing 50 pounds in 6 months while Hayden T. won over $1,200 for losing over 62 pounds in 6 months—both during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the coronavirus rages on well into the fourth quarter, we collectively find ourselves again having to shelter-in-place. Those trying to reconcile how they will survive this next round of being home bound, and the holiday season at large, with mitigated waistline and budgetary wreckage—and who are even planning their New Year resolution approach just beyond—would be wise to consider the gamified dieting approach. “Loss Aversion is a powerful dynamic and the reality of having ‘skin in the game’ can propel the results of a gamified weight loss initiative,” notes HealthyWage co-founder David Roddenberry.
The efficacy of diet gamification is well-proven. For one, according to study findings published by JAMA Internal Medicine, behavioral economics-based gamification led to “significantly” increased physical activity among overweight and obese Americans. In this particular study, pairing a step tracking device with social incentives led to sustained, long-term behavior change—prompting participants to take more steps then with a step tracking device, alone. While the report explains that “gamification interventions significantly increased physical activity during the 24-week intervention,” with competition being the “most effective.”
That’s something HealthyWage has seen play out since launching its weight-loss gamification platform in 2009. HealthyWage is, in fact, founded on earlier substantive research and “double-incentivization” methodology that proves competition and rewards—especially the cash variety—can as much as triple the effectiveness of weight loss programs.
“A key element for the success of a gamification program is giving participants something to lose if they fail to meet their goal—whether tangible or intangible,” notes Roddenberry. “In this particular study, it was just points at stake but even this effected behavior change. There are actually throngs of studies demonstrated that the threat of losing something of value is much more effective than the opportunity to win something of equal value. That’s precisely why we advocate that program participants ‘pay to play’ and make an investment out of their own pocket in order to win rewards—in our case large cash prizes—for losing weight and getting more active in the program.”
A few other notable HealthyWager success stories (both female and male) are case-in-point. These include Jean N. who lost 71 lbs. and won $3,357.99 for her efforts, and Jeremy M. who also lost 71 lbs. and won $1,886.32 for his own slimdown success. From its website, HealthyWage.com shares yet more inspirational success stories of both women and men who gained financially for their pound-shedding achievements using the company’s unique gamification approach. This includes Kristin W. who lost a staggering 114 pounds and won $4,000 for her efforts, Anastasia W. who lost 41 pounds and won a whopping $10,000 in kind, and Blake S. who lost an impressive 151 pounds and won $4,670 for his own slimdown success. Figures that are tasty, indeed.
These and other such HealthyWage payouts are proof positive. For their weight-loss achievements that collectively exceeds an astounding 1,050,000 pounds for this year, alone—269 of which losing in excess of 100 pounds (and nearly 7.5 million pounds lost since the company’s launch), HealthyWage has reportedly paid more than xx30,000 dieters over $13 million cash in 2020, specifically, and over $55 million cash since its inception in 2009.
HealthyWage programs apply these principles:
- HealthyWager Challenge: participants commit to a weight loss goal and an upfront financial payment and get their money back plus a financial return if they accomplish their weight loss goal. The average participant loses 40.7 pounds and gets paid $1,245.
- HealthyWage Step Challenge: participants commit money and agree to increase their steps by 25% over 60-days. If they achieve their goal they get their money back plus the money from those who don’t hit their goal.
Upholding the new findings while also further validating HealthyWage’s well-honed approach, an additional study published in the journal Social Science and Medicine continue to prove that money is an effective motivator to “increase both the magnitude and duration of weight loss.” The same hold true in business for staff wellness initiatives. Results from one study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine indicated that “Loss Incentive’ Motivates Employees to Take More Steps,” finding that financial incentives framed as a loss were most effective for achieving physical activity goals.
As a prolific corporate and group wellness purveyor, since 2009 HealthyWage has worked with an array of hi-caliber participants on workplace and staff wellness initiatives, including Halliburton, ConocoPhillips and more than 25% of the largest school districts in the country. HealthyWage has, in fact, formally created competitive, money-motivated programs for more than 1000 Fortune 500 and other public and private companies, hospitals, health systems, insurers, school systems, municipal governments and other organizations throughout the U.S., and their program has been more informally run at more than 7,000 companies and organizations seeking to bolster staff health and well-being, and boost bottom lines in kind.
“Throngs of studies reiterate the importance of the ‘stick’ in the design of a wellness incentive program, whether for individuals at home or for employee groups,” Roddenberry says. “Many studies have demonstrated that the threat of losing something of value is much more effective than the opportunity to win something of equal value. That’s precisely why we advocate that program participants ‘pay to play’ and make an investment out of their own pocket in order to win rewards—in our case large cash prizes—for losing weight and getting more active in the program.”
Studies do consistently show that monetary incentives serve to enhance the effectiveness of, and duly complement, weight-loss programs of any and all sorts, especially when paid out quickly like HealthyWage’s various programs. For its part, HealthyWage reports that the average participant more than doubles their investment if they are successful at achieving their goal. The financial upside potential is impressive.
So, if this is the season when you would like to not only resolve to lose those extra lbs. but also actually achieve that worthy goal, consider a cash-fueled approach. It just might give you that extra dose of motivation that’ll truly help you stay the course, shed weight and make some extra money in the process. There’s no better time than right now to bank on yourself.
~~~
Forbes Business Council Member Merilee Kern, MBA is an internationally-regarded brand analyst, strategist and futurist who reports on noteworthy industry change makers, movers, shakers and innovators across all categories, both B2C and B2B. This includes field experts and thought leaders, brands, products, services, destinations and events. Merilee is Founder, Executive Editor and Producer of “The Luxe List” as well as Host of the nationally-syndicated “Savvy Living” TV show. As a prolific consumer and business trends, lifestyle and leisure industry voice of authority and tastemaker, she keeps her finger on the pulse of the marketplace in search of new and innovative must-haves and exemplary experiences at all price points, from the affordable to the extreme. Her work reaches multi-millions worldwide via broadcast TV (her own shows and copious others on which she appears) as well as a myriad of print and online publications. Connect with her at www.TheLuxeList.com and www.SavvyLiving.tv / Instagram www.Instagram.com/LuxeListReports / Twitter www.Twitter.com/LuxeListReports / Facebook www.Facebook.com/LuxeListReports / LinkedIN www.LinkedIn.com/in/MerileeKern.
Business
Virtual Numbers for Small Businesses: Affordable Solutions for Enhanced Communication
Virtual phone numbers have become popular all over the world. They are popular because virtual phone numbers are practical and provide a wide range of benefits. There are several significant variations between a virtual number and a regular number, and there is no direct connection between a virtual number and a telephone.
Small businesses can quickly and affordably enhance their business by using virtual phone numbers. As it helps to maintain a professional image, the majority of small business owners are choosing a virtual number for customer care solutions. Here are the reasons why virtual phone number India can be an affordable solution for small businesses:
Virtual numbers are economical for startups and small companies
What financial savings may your company expect from a virtual phone number? The first thing is that there are no additional tools or equipment are initially required. Second, unlike mobile phone plans, you can pick and choose the functions you need, saving you money on extras your team won’t use.
A virtual number will assist you with customer retention, which will increase income and is the third reason to get a virtual number.
Establish local presence
Most existing and prospective clients prefer to contact a local vendor for their needs. No matter where they are physically located, small businesses can create and maintain a strong local presence by using virtual phone numbers.
Choosing a local virtual call phone number gives businesses the opportunity to add customization. Using a virtual phone number has other benefits, like handling increased call volume because people are more likely to call a nearby company than one located miles away.
Keep personal communication and business separate.
Your personal cell phone number should be kept private if you don’t want others to know it. This is specifically true if you want to publish a phone number for your company online.
With a virtual number, you can manage both your friends and family’s direct cell numbers from the same device. You can do it while also having a separate phone number for your business contacts.
Virtual numbers are more than just a number.
The best thing about virtual Indian number is that they come with more high-tech and sophisticated functions than your regular number. There are many other services that come with virtual phone lines, including call forwarding, sophisticated conference tools, SMS and email notifications, comprehensive customization, etc.
You can also easily get voicemail service in addition to a variety of other helpful features with efficient business solutions.
Maintain a level of privacy.
It is not always easy to communicate with coworkers or business partners using personal phone numbers. But with virtual phone numbers it is easy to be connected to a personal number without compromising privacy.
For lone proprietors who want to operate a business while keeping their home numbers confidential virtual numbers can work incredibly well.
Choosing a virtual phone service: Things to take into account
Getting a virtual phone number is not too difficult. But when getting ready to get one or more for work, there are several important things to consider:
● Free telephone numbers: A virtual phone number is a freebie that some service providers give to subscribers. As part of an upgrade or add-on, you can also get multiple free numbers.
● Use and access: To make sure that business numbers are used properly and by the appropriate persons, it is important to keep track of usage and access. Most services come with extras that let you better track phone line usage and make sure everything works as it should.
● Pricing and overall value for the money: For getting a virtual number, there are several economical choices available. The service that will provide you with the best value for your money is the one you should choose. While a free service might be adequate for a very small business, a larger corporation would need to look around for options that offer the best integrations.
Final thoughts
Small businesses benefit from using virtual phone numbers as they enable them to reduce unnecessary costs and improve overall performance. The virtual mobile number India also offers a lot of sophisticated and advanced features to small businesses. So, consider getting a virtual phone number for your company if you want to improve effectiveness and make it simpler for customers to contact you.
Business
USAII® Launches Groundbreaking AI Leadership Certification Program
Stamford, CT, July 19, 2023 – The United States Artificial Intelligence Institute (USAII®) is proud to announce the launch of its highly anticipated AI Leadership Certification Program – Certified AI Transformation Leader (CAITL™). A cutting-edge initiative designed to equip business leaders and decision-makers with the skills and knowledge required to lead in the dynamic world of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
In a world where AI technologies are transforming industries and shaping economies, the need for visionary and adept leaders is more critical than ever. The USAII’s CAITL™ Certification Program is designed to address this demand by equipping executives, managers, and decision-makers with the expertise to harness the full potential of AI for their organizations and society as a whole.
As an AI Leadership Certification Program, the CAITL™ certification offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers a wide array of essential AI-related subjects. Participants will gain insights into cutting-edge AI strategies, ethical considerations in AI implementation, AI governance, and its implications on privacy and security.
“This certification program represents a significant milestone for USAII® and the field of AI leadership. Our aim is to foster a new generation of forward-thinking, responsible, and strategic leaders who can leverage AI to drive positive change and innovation across various sectors,” said Mr. Ajit K Jha, President and CEO, EdTechDigit Innovations, the worldwide logistics and marketing partner of USAII®.
Key program highlights include:
1. Comprehensive Curriculum: A robust and up-to-date curriculum designed by leading AI experts covers everything from AI fundamentals to strategic applications.
2. Live Masterclass: Seasoned professionals and renowned AI influencers will lead the masterclass, providing participants with a wealth of knowledge and practical insights.
3. Real-world Use Cases: Participants will have the opportunity to learn with real-world AI use cases, allowing them to apply their learning and gain relative experience.
4. Self-paced learning: The program offers both online and self-paced learning formats, enabling professionals from across the world to access this transformative education.
Registrations for the CAITL™ Certification Program are now open, and interested business leaders and decision-makers can find more information on the USAII website (www.usaii.org).
About USAII®
The United States Artificial Intelligence Institute (USAII®) is the world’s leading Artificial Intelligence certifications provider for aspiring professionals and leaders at any stage of their career, organizations, institutions, academia, or governments, looking to upskill and reskill their expertise in the ever-evolving Artificial Intelligence domain. USAII® provides self-paced, and the most powerful Artificial Intelligence certifications designed perfectly to empower the highly demanding skills of an Artificial Intelligence professional.
For Media Contacts
Team – Marketing and Communications
United States Artificial Intelligence Institute (USAII®)
Email: [email protected]
Business
The Power of PE Twine: Why it’s Ideal for Fishing and Sports Netting
Introduction
PE twine, also known as polyethylene twine, is a material that is very adaptable and long-lasting, making it ideal for use in a wide range of applications that take place outside. PE twine is the ideal material for the task at hand, whether you’re an experienced fisherman who wants to haul in a huge catch or a sports fan who wants a dependable solution for sports netting. Both of these scenarios call for the use of the material. Because of its strong strength as well as its resistance to abrasion and ultraviolet radiation, it is an excellent material for use in severe outdoor situations. In the next article, we will go over the many advantages of PE twine, as well as its applications in fishing and sports netting, and explain why it is regarded as one of the top materials for usage in these contexts. Also, by partnering with PE twine manufacturers, businesses can obtain a reliable and durable product that enhances efficiency and productivity in their operations.
Introduction to PE Twine and its versatility
1. The malleability and versatility of PE twine is one of the primary factors that has contributed to its widespread use. It is simple to operate and can be woven into a variety of various types of nets, which enables the production of bespoke nets that are suited to certain requirements. PE twine is a versatile material that can be used for a variety of purposes, making it an excellent option for anybody searching for a robust and dependable fishing net, such as a professional fisherman, or a sports fan in need of a long-lasting net for their favorite sport.
2. The durability and resilience to abrasion offered by PE twine is highly valued by anglers because it enables them to construct fishing nets that are up to the task of enduring the rigors of capturing fish in a variety of environments. It has outstanding knot strength, which enables safe and durable connections to be made between the twine and the many other components of the net. PE twine is ideal for use in applications that take place outside because to its high level of resistance to ultraviolet light (UV), which enables it to tolerate lengthy exposure to sunlight without suffering substantial deterioration.
3. PE twine shines just as brightly in the realm of sports netting as it does everywhere else. Because of its great tensile strength, it may be used to make nets that are durable enough to resist severe hits from balls or other objects, so providing both safety and durability. PE twine offers players and athletic facilities the kind of dependability and durability that is essential for participation in sports like soccer, baseball, and tennis, as well as other activities that need the use of a net.
4. Materials from By partnering with PE twine manufacturers can give huge benefit to, businesses who can obtain a reliable and durable product that enhances efficiency and productivity in their operations. It has a well-deserved reputation for hardness and durability because to its remarkable resistance to fatigue and flexibility, both of which contribute to its great reputation. Because of its superior insulating capabilities, polypropylene is a material that may be used without risk in the production of electrical products and cable sheathing. In its fiber form, polypropylene has a broad range of applications that include not just being beneficial for fishing but also for a large variety of other items, such as ropes, twine, tape, carpets, furniture, clothes, and camping gear. These applications are not restricted to only fishing, though. Because of its water resistance, it is particularly useful for applications in the maritime industry.
5. Last but not least, all of PE Twin materials and upholstery textiles not only make furniture seem nicer but also shield it from damage caused by daily use. They are simple to modify, which makes it possible to quickly refresh the appearance of a space or adapt it to evolving preferences. Therefore, the next time you come across these things that at first glance seem to be unremarkable, give some thought to the great potential they possess and the myriad of ways in which they may make your life simpler and more joyful.
FAQs:
Q. What is PE twine, and why is it ideal for fishing and sports netting?
A. PE twine, short for Polyethylene twine, is a durable and versatile material made from high-density polyethylene fibers. It’s an excellent choice for fishing and sports netting due to its strength, resistance to environmental factors, and overall performance in demanding conditions.
Q. What are the key advantages of using PE twine in fishing nets?
A. PE twine offers exceptional tensile strength, making it capable of withstanding the stresses of fishing environments. It also has low water absorption, UV resistance, and high abrasion resistance, ensuring the longevity of fishing nets even when exposed to harsh weather and marine conditions.
Q. How does PE twine contribute to sports netting applications?
A. In sports netting, PE twine excels due to its superior strength-to-weight ratio. This makes it a reliable choice for constructing nets for sports like soccer, baseball, and tennis. It can endure high-impact hits and prolonged exposure to sunlight without compromising its performance.
Q. Is PE twine suitable for both freshwater and saltwater fishing?
A. Yes, PE twine is suitable for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Its resistance to water and salt ensures that it maintains its strength and durability over time, making it an excellent choice for various fishing environments.
Q. Can PE twine withstand exposure to sunlight and UV rays?
A. Absolutely, one of the remarkable properties of PE twine is its resistance to UV degradation. This means it can withstand prolonged exposure to sunlight without weakening or breaking down, making it ideal for outdoor applications like fishing and sports netting.
Q. How does the diameter of PE twine affect its performance?
A. The diameter of PE twine plays a crucial role in its performance. Thicker twine tends to be stronger but may have increased drag in water or wind. Thinner twine might be more suitable for applications where minimal visibility is desired, but it could have slightly less strength.
Q. Is PE twine less prone to tangling compared to other materials?
PE twine has a relatively smoother texture compared to some other materials, which can help reduce tangling to some extent. However, proper net design and construction techniques also play a significant role in preventing tangling.
Q. Can I use PE twine for making intricate net designs?
A. Yes, PE twine can be used for creating intricate net designs due to its flexibility and knot-holding capabilities. It’s important to choose the appropriate twine thickness for the intricacy of the design to ensure optimal performance.
Q. Is PE twine easy to work with for net repairs and maintenance?
A. Yes, PE twine is known for its ease of use when it comes to net repairs and maintenance. Its knot-holding ability and resistance to fraying make it a convenient choice for mending damaged nets and extending their lifespan.
Q. Is PE twine available in various colors and sizes?
A. Yes, PE twine comes in a variety of colors and sizes to suit different applications. This allows for customization based on visibility needs, aesthetics, and specific requirements of fishing or sports netting.
Bottom Line
In summary, our blog article has elucidated the remarkable efficacy and adaptability of polyethylene twine in the context of fishing and sports nets. PE twine is a very suitable option for those who engage in angling or sporting activities, owing to its notable attributes of robustness, longevity, and capacity to withstand various weather conditions.
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